Category Archives: Festivals

TD Mosaic – South Asian Festival of Mississauga in its 12th year brings its biggest line up ever. The festival theme,”Ekta” (oneness and Unity) celebrates the spirit of Canada’s 150th by showcasing over 200 artists and performers on two stages at the Celebration Square in the heart of Mississauga. The artists are A list Bollywood, Folk and Popular musicians and singers both international and local. Three of the performers have received highest national arts awards in their countries equivalent to Order of Canada. That includes, Padmashiri Award winner, Kaliash Kher from India, TamghaHusneKarkardigi, Bushra Ansari and Jawed Bashir from Pakistan. From the Academy award winning team of musicians from Life of Pi, Anwar Khurshid joins us with a unique selection of Canadian International artists . “Also in the lineup are Marigya,world music band and traditional Folk Chhau Dance, a collaboration between Indian High Commission Ottawa, Festival of India Ottawa and TD Mosaic Festival. Also performing for the first time on this stage is Arzoo Dance from Ottawa, Irudhya Dance and a colorful collection of artists carefully chosen for the festival.

Earlier in 2017, A native Mohawk Artist from Six Nations Reserve near Kingston, David R Maracle was sent to Lahore, Pakistan on the invitation of Beacon House National University and Rafi peer Theatre. A part of “Ekta” initiative, this trip was organized as a special Canada 150 celebration by CCAI and an effort to highlight the Native Canadian art and culture. As a special recognition of Canada 150 years of confederation, CCAI has made special efforts to engage, support and highlight the indigenous art and culture to the local audience. A very special installation and musical/dance performance is organized by the indigenous artists of Canada to mark the occasion. The audience of RTC and Mosaic festival will be able to interact with the artists and learn the importance of the artistic and cultural origins of Canada.

Mosaic Festival will host the local talent with “Rising Star” musical competition continuing the tradition of highlighting young and upcoming artists and providing them a platform to enhance their skills. Submission of videos has also been opened for online competition selected by the headlining artists with cash prizes offered to the selected submission. The Festival closing highlight is as always a massive dance performance by ShiamakDawar’ own Shiamak Dance Toronto.

Onsite Painting competition, a popular event with both the artists and spectators has been extended to two days, with cash prizes for the first three winners each day. The jury for these competitions comprises of local artists and arts administrators and able members of the audience. This segment is presented with the support of Deserres art supply store.

TD Mosaic Festival reached a new level of recognition, when it received the most prestigious Marty’s arts award by the Mississauga Arts Council as the “Festival of the Year 2017”.

Rock The Coliseum, Indie music Festival completes its 12th year with selection of artists from around Ontario. Submissions were overseen by the festival team and the members of the board and for the first time, RTC presents indigenous artists on its roster as well.

ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP INCLUDES THE AWARD-WINNING RIONE BIANCO FLAG THROWERS OF FAENZA, INTERNATIONAL HEADLINER BOBBY SOLO AND MORE THAN A DOZEN PERFORMERS

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The 2017 edition of Mississauga ITALFEST™ – Ferragosto in the City – expands to two days offering festivalgoers twice the opportunity to experience the culture and splendour of Italy. From Friday, August 18th to Saturday, August 19th, the fifth annual festival, presented by Solmar Development Corp, will take over Mississauga’s Celebration Square to present a taste of Italian arts and heritage and draw in more than 26,000 attendees from Mississauga and surrounding communities. Named a Top 100 Festival in Ontario two years in a row, Mississauga ITALFEST™ offers a variety of family-oriented entertainment.

On Friday, August 18th from 5:00pm to 11:00pm, experience “Under The ‘Sauga Moon” – a Canada 150 celebration featuring Rione Bianco, the world-famous flag throwers, drummers and trumpeters from Faenza, Italy; a cooking demonstration by Chef Christian Pritchard – Aurora Importing’s Executive Chef and Culinary Adventurist; cultural dance groups; an International DJ; dance music star Joée; and the popular Sensation Live Music.

On Saturday, August 19th from 12:00pm to 11:00pm, festival favourites and new attractions hit the main stage including Italian choir Melodie Italiane; organetto player Enzo DiPalma; violinist Daniele Monticelli; dance band Frankie Cole and The Four Wanderers; the Latin sounds of Thiago Derucio; vocalists Angelo Torchia from Italy and Enzo Gusman; the comedic talents of Riccardo Backyardo, The Rolling Stronz and Rosina Parmiggiano; the presentation of the Johnny Lombardi Family Heritage Award and Louis Jannetta Youth Heritage Award; Italian pop singer FreD’Angelo; award winning singer-songwriter/producer Carlo Coppola and a headline performance by legendary Bobby Solo direct from Italy.

Visitors will enjoy Bocce, Scopa and Briscola tournaments, watermelon and pasta-eating contests and more than 50 onsite vendors, artisans and exhibitors.

The Mississauga ITALFEST™ Family Zone, sponsored by Queenscorp Group, will feature the Pizza Nova pizza-making workshop, displays and inflatable challenges from the Raptors On The Go team, Mississauga Steelheads, puppet show, face painters, an Italian youth art and recipe exhibit, and a youth soccer challenge.

The popular Heritage and Cultural Centre, presented by Villa Charities in partnership with Heritage Mississauga, will explore Italian history while spotlighting the region of Naples with displays of art, photography, food demos, tastings, furniture, music and various artifacts specific to the area.

Mississauga ITALFEST™ is a free festival. Tickets to access a limited quantity of reserved seating in front of the stage – “Sweet Seats” – and in the VIP lounge are available for purchase through the festival website at www.mississaugaitalfest.com.

No matter your musical tastes, this province is offering up plenty of music festivals this summer. Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) is thrilled to share an exciting line up of the best 17 music festivals beginning May 23rd. We invite you to enjoy musical talents from across Canada, from around the world and from your own home town right here in Ontario. These festivals represent a subset of FEO’s Top 100 festivals and events awards. With so many music festivals to choose from, we recommend you get your mojo working at more than just one this year!

ONTARIO (May 10, 2017) There’s no better place to flock the streets this year than at an Ontario festival. Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) is happy to highlight a subset of FEO’s award-winning festivals – each of these themed and cultural festival has something distinctive and unique to offer its guests! The kaleidoscope of festivities lying in wait for you range from bush planes to sheep dogs to cacti and everything in between. It’s just so easy to be captivated by anyone of these festivals and events and there’s something special for everyone.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The Mississauga Arts Council is thrilled to announce the 23nd annual MARTYS!

“This is the biggest and best arts connecting, networking and awards celebration of the year!” – Brian Crombie, President of the Board of Directors of MAC

2017 will mark the 23rd year of recognizing local emerging and established talent within the arts in Mississauga via the MARTYS; the Mississauga Arts Awards.

Monday April 17 was the last day to send in MARTYS nominations! Thank you to all of the nominators who sent in all the information that was necessary on time! We have a roster of fantastic nominees, the judges will definitely have a hard time deciding the finalists.

This year the Mississauga Arts Council has brought an air of exclusivity to the MARTYS like never before. By establishing some changes to the rules and guidelines, MAC has elevated the MARTYS into a highly coveted award. The most significant changes to the MARTYS rules and guidelines were:

Self-nominations are no longer accepted

Nominees may only be nominated in one category

5 finalists will be featured in the MARTYS program

During this year’s MARTYS, MAC will unveil a brand new, distinctive, crystal award that will be a sought after and cherished prize for anyone in the arts. Designed by Crystal Sensations, the people who created Canada’s Juno award, this unique piece will remain the same for years to come, establishing recognition as the highest arts award available in our city.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that we have accepted the responsibility to create and manufacture the Mississauga Arts Council MARTYS Award” – Jerome Bacchus, Vice President of Crystal Sensations

“We’re excited about this year’s new award, honouring the Festival of the Year, as judged by the Mississauga News. It’s especially timely as Mississauga has just won the award for being the best festival city in Ontario!” – Ron Duquette, Producer of the MARTYS

For the last two years the Mississauga Convention Centre has graciously hosted the MARTYS providing an elegant venue, delicious food and exceptional service. Red carpet reception starts at 5:30 p.m. Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.

We have an amazing line-up of entertainers including previous MARTY winners like David O’Hearn’s pop rock band, Time Trip, sweet jazz stylist Arlene Paculan, young opera star Anna Wojcik and award winning dancers and instrumentalists to entertain along with a special surprise guest!

“We hope you join the popular movement to recognize excellence in the arts and help turn Mississauga into a creative city.” – Mike Douglas, Executive Director of MAC

MARTYS Tickets can be purchased at the office, online at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com/martys or by calling 905-615-4278. Ticket prices are $75 for members, $90 for non-members and $700 for a table of 10. Please note: tickets will not be sold at the door.